Transmission Temp?

[centralmepistol]

I am curious what others are seeing for transmission temperatures when towing... I cannot seem to find anywhere that lists max temps or recommended ranges when hauling.

 

I have a 2012 Sierra 1500 4x4 with the transmission cooler in it. When hauling a heavy load I kept an eye on the temperature of the trans which during steady travel stayed around 150*... but when moving VERY slowly, such as in traffic it did peak over 170*. Assumably because I didn't have much air flow over the radiator at that point.

 

What are you guys seeing? Has anyone found limits documented somewhere?

[sdeeter19555]

Those temps are about normal I would say, the slow traffic causes less are flow through the cooler plus the converter is slipping causing heat. Anything under 200 is typically thought as good these days.

 

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[crankman]

Your way good 170 aint nothing bud. I've gotten up in the 190 and didn't worry a bit with our 1500.

[centralmepistol]

I just found one small reference in the manual....

It states that to check trans coolant levels that it should be done "hot".

The range to check fluid levels "hot" is 160*-200*

Though it doesn't give a limit to the operating temperature I feel safe assuming that staying under 200* will be just fine with a little wiggle room above it if I get stuck in traffic for a short time.

 

I actually find that temperature range for checking levels somewhat amusing as I have to TRY to get it that high!

[sdeeter19555]

You should try with a 2500 with an extra cooler...my hot temp is usually less than the 140 they recommend checking fluid levels at...

 

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[J-man67]

You're good. I see as high as 190 when towing pretty heavy 8-9k

 

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[CKNSLS]

I tow in the Rockies. I see temps up to 245 to 250 degrees. The DIC warning doesn't come on until 265. Never have seen it-but that's where you get your warning.

 

You will see over 200 towing in the mountains.

[nht mike]

Towing in the Cascades, I have seen 230 a couple of times. My truck only has electric fans so unless the coolant temperature gets pretty high they never run. The transmission cooler pretty much relies ram air for cooling.

No matter which way I go when I leave home it's up hill with temperatures in the high 90's, 100's quite common. I've never been to concerned about fluid temperatures, just give a little cool down idle time if it's been pulling hard.

[blwright]

Mine usually stays between 175-190 when towing the car hauler or the camper.

[Deadeye]

300 mile trip to the lake over the weekend and checked the trans temp on the way back. 193 degrees running 75 with 100lbs in the back and 73 degree outside temp. My '09 1500 ran that range pulling the camper in the summer heat.

[Z45]

[sdeeter19555]

While that chart was useful at one point, I think it is outdated when discussing today's modern fluids and transmissions that are meant to run hotter.

 

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[centralmepistol]

Thanks for all this info... I really like the chart!

 

Over the weekend we took the camper on a semi local trip over some mountains, or at least Maine's version. A few steep, and slow, moments!

 

Over the trip the highest temp we saw was 187*

I'm feeling better everyday with its ability to haul well within specs.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

I wish I had transmission temp on my 05 truck. I just have to rely on coolant temp when towing the camper. It'll get up to 230deg up long hill stretches pulling 7000lbs. Is there any way to add transmission temp without having to tap a new sensor into the pan?

[Z45]

While that chart was useful at one point, I think it is outdated when discussing today's modern fluids and transmissions that are meant to run hotter.

 

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OEM fluids still come from the low bid supplier. While they are adequate, they are not meant to last forever as many seem to think. Your vehicle is not made to last forever. Most people do not like to hear this but the reality is, car/truck/powersports dealers and OEM’s need a reason for owners to keep buying new vehicles otherwise they simply won’t make money.